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Effects of Aflatoxins on Finishing Swine¹

North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27650

Abstract

Thirty-two pigs (average starting weight 53 kg) were randomly divided into four treatments with eight pigs per treatment. Fortified corn-soybean meal diets containing 14% protein were used. The diets contained 20, 385, 750 and 1,480 ppb total aflatoxin, respectively. Treatment one served as the control. Average daily gain was reduced linearly in pigs receiving diets containing 385 ppb and higher levels. Feed efficiency was not significantly influenced by dietary levels of 385 and 750 ppb aflatoxin, but was depressed when the highest level (1,480 ppb) was fed.

Total serum proteins, albumin and IgG fraction (gamma globulins) were unaffected by aflatoxin consumption. IgM fraction (gamma globulins) was increased in pigs receiving 750 and 1,480 ppb aflatoxin. Liver weights expressed as a percentage of final live weight were increased in pigs that consumed 385 ppb and in each subsequent treatment. Microscopic examination of liver sections revealed that five of eight pigs that had received the highest level of aflatoxin had hepatocellular lesions. Four of eight pigs in treatment three, two of eight pigs in treatment two and one of eight pigs in treatment one also exhibited hepatocellular lesions. The remaining animals had no visible lesions.

At the end of the 66-day feeding trial, one-half of the pigs were used in a short (7-day) withdrawal trial. The pigs placed on control diets consumed more feed, gained faster and were more efficient than the pigs that remained on their respective aflatoxin-containing diets.

¹ Paper No. 5943 of the Journal Series of the North Carolina Agr. Res. Service, Raleigh. Use of trade names in this publication does not imply endorsement of the products mentioned.

² Present address: Animal Science Dept., Univ. of IL, Urbana-Champaign.

³ Animal Science Department.

⁴ Acknowledgment is given to Dr. R. C. Dillman for his microscopic examination of liver sections, Dr. G. W. Morgan for his assistance with the electrophoresis and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture Food and Drug Division for their assistance in the analyses of corn for aflatoxin.